Viewing entries tagged
Studio City

Mister O's Brunch

November 17, 2018

Mister O’s in Studio City is now open for lunch and brunch. This is the second time we’ve been back here and I think it’s warranting a 3rd visit pretty soon. I’m still in love with the ambiance of this place. The Palm Springs flare still hits pretty hard with the madmen speakeasy interior.

Here’s what brunch is looking like:

Delicious Shrimp and Grits

There’s definitely a lot of flavor in each dish. I love the balance of acid in each dish. The burger especially was a nice surprise with the green tomato.

Will definitely be back again soon!

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Claudine - Encino

June 15, 2016

A little bio on Claudine,

"Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop is the collaborative effort of Chef Anthony Jacquet and Pastry Chef Lea Newton, whose combined skills and culinary passions have led to the opening of a globally-influenced neighborhood café and bakeshop in the San Fernando Valley. Named after Jacquet’s late sister, the driving force behind his decision to become a chef, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop is a full service restaurant, bakeshop, coffee bar, and grab n’ go deli. Serving only the highest quality food made with local and sustainable ingredients, Claudine Artisan Kitchen & Bakeshop features an assortment of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.Highlighting the bounty of local and seasonal produce in California, the restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from the many cultures and people who have shaped the city."

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

Located on Ventura Blvd in Encino is where you will find Claudine. From the outside, it blends it with the neighborhood Chipotle which sits in the same center. But walking inside, the expectations are blown away by how adorable this place is. Open kitchen with tons of baked goods ready for you to hover over. Everything is made fresh daily, so if you see low inventory, that's a good sign.

Claudine also serves wine and beer which is always a plus. I started with a Stone IPA. They also carried a few specialty cocktails like sangrias and micheladas.

We had a few dishes to sample, all delicious. They make their own house cured lox on toast. The salmon was not overly salty served on top of some preserved Lemon Cream Cheese, Pickled Shallots, Cucumber and Capers. Their Briana's Short Rib Grilled Cheese is also a must order. Stuffed with Stout Braised Onions, Roasted Mushrooms, ‘Merican Cheese, Black Vinegar Teriyaki, and russet wedges. Get your napkins ready.

They also make their own naan pizzas. We've tried 2 and fell in love instantly. Cianna's Naan-Zza: pesto, buratta, bacon, mushrooms and asparagus. Serrano Ham and Olive Naan-Zza: fresno chile, buratta cheese and oregano. The Lea's Lightened Quiche was a winner all around. Custard made with spinach, basil, and only one egg with salad greens (SO GOOD).

If you are not sure what to do about your life, order the Malted Milk Pancakes. Cinnamon-Blueberry compote, salted honey butter, Warm Maple Syrup and Bacon. Sandwich this baby together and eat it with pride. Lot's of it.

16350 Ventura Blvd., Suite F, Encino, CA 91436

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Comoncy - Studio City - Best Breakfast of 2015

November 15, 2015

I got an invitation to visit the new Comoncy Cafe out in Studio City. They have a total of 3 locations: Beverly Hills, Studio City, and Scottsdale Arizona. I was recommended to check the new location since it's larger with more creative innovations on the menu to check out. I would rather head out to Studio City anyways, since LA traffic is never forgivable.

I've never been to Comoncy before, but after seeing their menu, it's something I would check out for a good breakfast. Breakfast is hard to find. Considering how large and populated with restaurants LA county is, it's hard to find that ONE, that can do it all. What I mean by that is, I hate how some cafes serve crappy espresso. Or great coffee, but terrible eggs and bacon. There's never that one place, that I can knock out all birds with one stone. Well Comoncy, I think they've done it.

Best Breakfast of 2015

The spread was pretty simple. And, there are some things that I just can't say no to. John was supportive on pigging out by having another dish to accompany this meal. And, cappuccino is always necessary. Always. At a place like this, it would be a waste to not have espresso. Trust me, it's good.

First thing first. Cappuccino.

Being super stoked about the design, I used one pack of raw cane sugar. Don't be a snob to tell me you drink it straight without sugar. Good for you. But a pack of sugar can really help the notes of the espresso pop. Kind of like putting ice with your whiskey, does that make sense? The espresso was extremely good and better than I expected! Loved how this was something they highly recommended. So good, that we bought some to take home.

A must. I love ordering huevos rancheros, and couldn't keep my eyes off from the menu about it. It's a huge breakfast staple for me, and I assumed it will be good at Comoncy if they had the audacity to put it on their menu! THEY DID NOT FAIL! John was SO sneaky about this too. He took a few big bites, and I had to ask how it tastes before he tells me it's amazing. What a jerk! Like, does he really think I wasn't going to notice half of it missing?! Comoncy rendition of huevors rancheros were : organic eggs over easy, crispy blue corn tortilla, avocado, black beans, and ranchero sauce. Everything was perfect about this dish. I loved the black beans and the contrast it brought to the crispy blue corn tortilla. It wasn't too thick or pasty, but extremely smooth and creamy. The soft over easy eggs with the ranchero, the avocado, and everything all in a bite, made my eyes rolled back. I mean literally I think I went blind for a second. It was like, the huevos rancheros god descended from above and blessed this plate. Super flavorful, but not heavy like the others I've had. I can't say no to this. This is a must when I come back, and something that I recommend to you. Dash some hot sauce, and tell me if you blacked out too.

Their steak sandwich was composed of : Brioche bun, prime sirloin steak, red cabbage slaw, lemon vinaigrette,organic Roma tomato, avocado, and horseradish aioli. Ok, The prime sirloin definitely gives you a run for the money. It was very tender and very flavorful. I had absolutely no trouble at all take perfect bites from this, It may look tiny, but it's loaded with steak and I love how they don't skimp. The brioche bun was fantastic. Flaky and not too eggy like some other ones I've had. I actually love how I could taste the butter in the bun. The lemon vinaigrette is not subtle as well, in the best way I can say it. Everything just married perfectly. Even the tomatoes were freaking delicious. This was one of their many lunch items that they carry. I must come back to devour more.

Baguette, Greek Yogurt, berries and organic maple syrup. I've never had yogurt with french toast, and thought this was another success. Fruits and yogurt with sweet maple syrup. What could possibly sound wrong with that? It was also my first time having french toast with baguette, which I didn't mind. Sometimes, brioche could be too heavy. Literally egg on egg. This was very light, but something I would share. The basil really made this dish pop. It was a little touch, but really made this bright and fresh.

At the end of our meal, I've concluded that this was the best breakfast I've had all year, and seems to stay that way for the rest of 2015. I can't wait to come back, and have more dishes. Though the huevos rancheros is going to be hard to pass up.

With that said, I hope you will find a way to make it out for a taste. Their breakfast is ON POINT along with their espressos. Which, I also highly recommend you getting. The brand is Equator and the beans are "Tigerwalk".

I'm hoping more Comoncy cafes will open more locations, as for now, I and we will have to make our trips. Let me know what you think.

STUDIO CITY : 12265 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (323) 391-2096

BEVERLY HILLS : 413 N. Bedford Dr.Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (424) 285-8874

SCOTTSDALE: 7301 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 361-1339

Happy eatings!

Daisy

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Thrive Cocktail Party

November 4, 2015

First of all, everyone needs to get a bottle of Thrive Algae oil. Everything that you see tonight was cooked or prepared with the oil.

I had the pleasure of attending another Algae Oil even at the Thrive House. This time, it was a cocktail party. From my last experience, I was able to sample many dishes that were cooked with Thrive's Algae Oil. This time, I was able to bring some friends with me to mingle, and for them to try how awesome Algae oil is.

Of course I was drawn to where the drinks were. But, they had an amazing cocktail served tonight.

This was an avocado drink! The cocktail consisted of white rum, avocado, agave, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sea salt. I loved the lime, a lot. It actually made the drink itself taste like kiwi. It was extremely fresh, so easy to drink, and it actually tasted like a smoothie. The salt also complimented the avocado throughout the drink. I mean if you think about it, it totally makes since. I normally eat my avocados with a dash of salt. Thrive wanted to promote the good fat in the avocado, so what better way to do that than in a cocktail. Now... they need to bottle this and sell it in stores.

These little corners were delicious. I believed they had a togarashi dressing they drizzled on because I tasted that slight hint of heat. I'm not complaining since I love spicy foods. The avocado were really creamy. The toast they used had seeds which gave it a good contrast with the avocado. The avocado had a consistency of mouse, so a crunchy toast with texture worked really well.

Roasted Grapes - Chevre - Prosciutto - Crostini

Yes these babies were back tonight with Prosciutto vengeance. I'm telling you. Best cocktail party appetizer for the year! The prosciutto was nice and smokey, and almost had this roast duck crackling flavor which I LOVE. This is definitely going to be something you will see me make with Thrive algae oil during the holidays.

First of all, I thought the tofu was chicken. These were so adorable! So adorable I had 5. My friend Tamara were eyeing these the whole night, but the cocktail servers knew to bring them our way when they were ready. All the flavors complimented each other so well. I loved the simple spice rub that was put on the chicken. The tofu was sauteed in Algae oil, which again I was not able to taste. It's a great way to incorporate your ingredients without feeling like your oil is going to take over the dish.

These, I don't remember how many I had. My friend Frances definitely chowed on a few (believed these were her favorites). Ok these were also pretty freaking amazing as well. I'm really excited to experiment with the oil, and see how well it sears. By the looks, and taste of this fritter, I can let you know that It was crispy all around. And another one of those easy dishes to make at your holiday party.

Rosemary Nut Mix with Almonds, Pistachios, Pecans and Peanuts with Rosemary infused Thrive Algae Oil.

Fellas, these are your ultimate beer nuts. And ladies, you will drop jaws if you made this. I can't tell you how many handfuls we had, but you can really taste the velvety texture from the oil (SO GOOD). Thrive should create "Thrive Nuts". That sounds catchy doesn't it? I'm like, anticipating and hoping there will be a THRIVE SNACK STORE online. Just imagine how much great things that can happen? Everything had been fantastic we just wanted to have everything in containers!

Lemongrass Prawn - cucumber - carrots- pea shoot - rice paper wrap

I'm starting to realize that I actually ate a lot at thise vent. I think I had 5 of these as well if not more. Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought there was ginger in this. The oil was used to cook the prawn as well as the prepared dipping sauce for it. Spring roll wraps... let me take notes to make that during the holidays.

This was one of the funnest veggie platters I've had. They almost made a balsamic vinaigrette with the Algae Oil. I was so surprised with the consistency the dressing came out. It was a little thick in the best way to stick to the vegetables. Another holiday item this year. It's so simple, but I am really stoked about this one.

From Avocado cocktails, to wine, to beer. Why not right? Beer and BEER NUTS. So perfect.

Chicken cooked perfectly with a nice sear, paired with a roasted pepper dipping sauce. The sauce was also made with Thrive Algae Oil. The oil goes great into preparing sauces since the flavors are not over powering.

Chef Caroline Fey is AMAZING. From the first coursed dinner I had with her preparations were beyond my expectations. This cocktail party was fantastic as well. There wasn't really one dish that stood out over the other. All the items served that night were fun and simple yet innovative. What I also loved, again, is how I could not taste the oil in the foods that were made. You just don't think about it. A lot of people probably perceive the oil to be oceanic of some sort, but it really isn't. Also, the chef was able to speak with us as she was preparing the meals. She was able to tell us why she loves the product and how great it was to use the oil in the dishes that were served that night. Thank you Chef for an amazing meal!

The day after the rain is always the most beautiful. The air was crispy, clear, and cold. The first cold weather in Los Angeles to be shared with Thrive. Is it winter yet? It sure feels like it. But, if you are curious about Thrive, feel free to check out their website here: http://www.thrivealgae.com/

They sell their oils online, and currently only, exclusively, at your local Los Angeles Gelson's. I believe that this oil will help a lot of families. Don't forget that 1 tablespoon equals 1 avocado. You get all the good stuff in 1 tablespoon. Honestly, you can't beat that.

Stay tuned for food dishes that I am planning on creating.

Happy Holidays!

Daisy

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Wine & Dine

Mister O's Brunch

Claudine - Encino

Comoncy - Studio City - Best Breakfast of 2015

Thrive Cocktail Party